The Fishing Lesson

Title:  The Fishing Lesson                      


Author: Heinrich Boll

Illustrator: Emile Bravo
Adapted by: Bernard Friot (first published in German in 1963!)
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2018
Intended Ages: 5+
Themes: Ambition, Contentment, Humor

Opening Line(s):
"In a small harbor on the coast, a man in shabby clothes dozes in his tiny fishing boat."
 
Synopsis: This book explores what it means to be contented. What is "enough" in life. A bit deep for the youngest readers, but I believe they will see their busy schedules mirrored in the action.

What I like about this book:

This book works on many levels. What it means to look at another culture from the outside. Tourism etiquette. Even the existential question of what it means to be content. Told in a contemporary graphic format with multiple images per page, the text is still fairly sparse for easy comprehension. A friend who works at my local library shared this book with me. Thanks, Eric! I must admit that I didn't recognize the author's name as a winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972.

Resources:

•  Discuss what it means to be ambitious
• Write a list of goals, then discuss how you will know when you achieve them. For example, if you want to be a singing star--do you need to have a number one hit? If you do, would you continue singing after your song reached number one? What would you sacrifice to achieve your goals? Compare your answers with a family member or classmate.
• Enjoy your favorite seafood lunch!
• Read about another country. How would you act differently if you visited there?

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

This Is Not That Kind of Book

Title:  This is Not That Kind of Book                       


Author: Christopher Healy

Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Random House, Oct, 2019
Intended Ages: 3-7
Themes: Humor, Surprises, Friendship

Opening Line(s):
"Once upon a time, a brave little girl set off into the woods with a basket of goodies."
Speech bubbles on the page - Apple: I'm an apple! Girl: Hop in!
 
Synopsis: A fractured fairy tale combining familiar picture book characters such as pirates, detectives and superheroes.
(much of the pleasure of the book is in plot surprises, so I won't spoil it by giving you more)

What I like about this book:
As a special treat this week, this part of the review is provided by some of my #kidsneedmentors class! Real kids who read and enjoyed the book.

By: Londyn (2nd grade) and Kadynce (1st Grade) 

 

This Is Not That Kind of Book," by Christopher Healy is a great story! It is really funny. Everyone will enjoy it because it is not just one kind of book. It is a joke book, an alphabet book, a pirate adventure book, a mystery, a fairy tale, and a super hero story all in one. We have never read another book like this. It is unique because there is more than one story in it. You have to read this book!

Resources:

•  Because this book has so many familiar characters, you can do an art project with any of them! 
• Study other fractured fairy tale books. 
• The book has several twists and turns. Discuss other options/endings for each situation. Maybe you'll write your own story in the process!
• Brainstorm a different character that could have been in the story.

Enjoy!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF